We are delighted to share more about the initial EFMD Programme Accreditation that has recently been awarded to programmes at the School of Finance, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE), China, Excelia Business School, France, Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), India, and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland.

In its assessments, the EFMD Programme Accreditation Board commended these schools for their shared commitment to academic rigour, international orientation, and the delivery of programmes that prepare graduates to meet the expectations of a complex professional environment.

Barbara Sporn, EFMD Programme Accreditation Director, commented:

“Congratulations to SUIBE, Excelia Business School, XIME, and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences on achieving EFMD Programme Accreditation for their respective programmes. This recognition affirms the schools’ dedication to high academic standards, practical relevance, and the cultivation of responsible, globally minded graduates. Each programme exemplifies thoughtful curriculum design, robust engagement with industry, and a supportive learning environment that equips students for success in complex professional contexts. By earning this accreditation, these institutions demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement, international quality benchmarks, and the advancement of management and business education worldwide.”

SUIBE: Bachelor of Economics in Finance

Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE), founded in 1960, is a public university in Shanghai specialising in economics, statistics, management, law, and liberal arts, with a distinctive focus on global business and cross-cultural education. Hosting over 14,000 students, SUIBE has established itself as a key institution for cultivating internationally oriented talent, supported by a wide network of global partnerships and a strong commitment to integrating academic rigour with real-world applications.

The School of Finance at SUIBE offers programmes designed to meet the changing demands of global financial markets. With an emphasis on international perspectives, industry engagement, and innovative pedagogy, the school equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for successful careers in banking, securities, fintech, and international finance.

SUIBE’s Bachelor of Economics in Finance is a four-year, comprehensive programme that combines solid training in financial theory with applied skills in investment, risk management, corporate finance, and fintech. Delivered in both Chinese and English, the programme emphasises global financial trends, ethical decision-making, and hands-on learning through simulations, internships, and industry projects. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue roles as financial analysts, risk managers, and investment professionals in multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sectors.

The EFMD Programme Accreditation Board commended SUIBE for its strong industry linkages, international learning environment, and student-centred approach to finance education.

Professor Zhang Yun, Dean of the School of Finance, commented:

“We are deeply honoured that our Bachelor of Economics in Finance has received EFMD Programme Accreditation. This prestigious recognition not only affirms our unwavering commitment to excellence in finance education but also strengthens our position as an internationally oriented school dedicated to nurturing future-ready financial leaders. The accreditation process has been an invaluable journey of reflection and improvement, inspiring us to further elevate our curriculum, pedagogy, and global engagement. It aligns seamlessly with our mission to deliver transformative education that bridges theory and practice, East and West. We look forward to contributing to the EFMD global community and continuing to raise the bar in responsible and innovative finance education.”

Excelia: Programme Grande École – Five-year Master in Management

Excelia Business School is a French higher education institution specialising in business and management, and is part of the Excelia Group, which was founded in 1988. Excelia delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business and management, including Bachelor, BBA International, Master of Science and a Master in Management.

As a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, the school emphasises experiential learning and responsibility through initiatives rooted in social and environmental commitment, and supports its students’ professional development with personalised career services and strong corporate links.

Excelia’s Programme Grande École is a five-year Master in Management that combines a French Grade de Master with a broad foundation in management theory and applied practice. It is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and delivered across campuses in La Rochelle, Tours and Paris, with instruction available in French and English. The curriculum integrates academic study with professional experience, international exposure and personalised pathways through more than 50 specialisations, double degrees and mobility options, reflecting its academic and professional standards.

The EFMD Programme Accreditation Board commended Excelia Business School for its extensive experiential learning practices, its strong commitment to ERS, and its personalised approach to student development.

Professor Tamym Abdessemed, Directeur et Dean d’Excelia Business School, commented:

“Excelia Business School is very proud of the obtention of the EFMD programme accreditation for its five-year Master in Management – Programme Grande Ecole. This recognition is of high value to us because, beyond our institutional EQUIS accreditation, it symbolises the excellence of the programme and its international dimension, among a portfolio of around 150 programmes in more than 40 countries. From programme relevance and design to programme outcomes and quality improvement system, the accreditation demonstrates  our alignment with the highest international standards in student training, development and appropriate  preparation to the world of practice.”

XIME: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

The Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME) is an autonomous postgraduate management institution established in 1991 by Prof J Philip, with campuses in Bangalore, Chennai, and Kochi. XIME’s multi-campus ecosystem is characterised by strong industry engagement, a vibrant academic community, contemporary curriculum design, and a robust governance framework.

The institute offers programmes that include the flagship PGDM, Executive Education, international collaborations, and doctoral support initiatives. Its pedagogy emphasises case-based learning, industry projects, global immersion experiences, entrepreneurship development, and continuous evaluation—ensuring that graduates are prepared to navigate the business world with confidence and integrity.

XIME’s two-year, full-time residential PGDM programme is designed to mould reflective, responsible, and innovation-driven management professionals. Delivered over six trimesters, the programme offers a strong foundation across core business disciplines—finance, marketing, operations, analytics, human resource management, and strategy—supplemented by a wide range of contemporary electives aligned with industry needs.

Experiential learning lies at the heart of the programme, with students engaging in internships, simulations, live industry projects, case competitions, innovation labs, field immersion, and global exposure opportunities. The curriculum also incorporates elements of sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial thinking, ensuring well-rounded professional development.

The EFMD Programme Accreditation Board commended XIME for its sustained engagement with the world of practice and its strong focus on ERS grounded in clear values and governance.

Professor J. Philip, Founder and Chairman, XIME Bangalore, commented:

“We are honoured to receive the prestigious EFMD Programme Accreditation for our PGDM programme. This recognition stands as a powerful affirmation of XIME’s unwavering commitment to academic rigour, ethical leadership, and global relevance. For over three decades, XIME has nurtured professionals grounded in competence, integrity, and a spirit of service. This milestone is more than an institutional achievement—it reflects our collective vision to build a world-class management school rooted in values and driven by innovation. The EFMD accreditation reinforces our determination to continue elevating our academic standards, expanding our international reach, and preparing our students to lead with purpose in an increasingly complex global environment.”

Mr Anil Philip, President, XIME Society, commented:

“Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME) has always strived for excellence in management education. The EFMD Programme Accreditation for five years is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the engagement of our students, and the institution’s commitment to global standards. This recognition inspires us to continue fostering leadership that makes a meaningful impact on society and to uphold the highest standards in academic and professional development.”

Haaga-Helia: BBA in International Business

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Haaga-Helia) is a public institution in Finland offering professional education in business, information technology, tourism, hospitality, sports, media and related fields. It has about 11,000 students and more than 1,000 international students, with programmes conducted in English on campuses in Helsinki, Porvoo and Vierumäki.

Haaga-Helia emphasises applied learning, industry collaboration and international mobility through partnerships with companies and universities worldwide. Its degree structure supports the development of practical skills alongside academic study, preparing graduates for expert and managerial roles in their chosen fields.

The BBA in International Business at Haaga-Helia offers a Bachelor of Business Administration and the Finnish tradenomi title over 3.5 years. The curriculum fosters a broad understanding of business principles and professional competencies through cooperation with industry partners, offering flexible majors including Accounting and Finance, People Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. It also encourages exchange studies or work placements abroad. Teaching is delivered in English in a truly international environment, with student-centred methods designed to support ethical, responsible practice and cultural awareness in global business contexts.

The EFMD Programme Accreditation Board commended Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences for achieving a high level of internationalisation within the student body and for the systematic engagement with the professional world throughout the Programme.

Dr Minna Hiillos, Haaga-Helia Vice President for Education, commented:

“EFMD accreditation for our Bachelor of International Business programme is a wonderful recognition of the work we have done and will continue to support the development of quality in our education. The accreditation process, including the self-assessment, has been extremely valuable, and the expert feedback from the review panel will guide us in our future development. Operating in an international education environment, the accreditation helps us build networks with high-quality partners.  This is a great foundation to build on.”

During the same two Accreditation Board meetings, the following institutions were granted EFMD re-accreditation for their programmes:

• Peter Faber Business School, Australian Catholic University, Australia: Bachelor of Commerce
• AESE Business School, Portugal:  Executive MBA
• Porto Business School, University of Porto, Portugal: International MBA and Executive MBA
• IEEM Business School, University of Montevideo, Uruguay: Executive MBA
• Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium: Bachelor/Master of Science in Business Economics and Bachelor/Master of Science in Business Engineering
• Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Poland: Finance Programme (Master level) and Bachelor in International Business

About EFMD Programme Accreditation

EFMD Programme Accreditation (EFMD Accredited) is a globally recognised quality assurance process that evaluates and benchmarks business and management education programmes. This accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence in curriculum design, teaching methods, student assessment, and quality assurance processes.

It provides institutions with a comprehensive external validation of their programmes, fostering continuous improvement and adherence to international standards. Programmes undergoing the process benefit from enhanced visibility and competitiveness in global business education.

The accreditation system serves as a hallmark of academic quality, attesting to an institution’s dedication to delivering impactful and innovative business education, thereby attracting top talent and facilitating meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders.

EFMD Accredited emphasises academic rigour, practical relevance, internationalisation, ethics and sustainability. EFMD Programme Accreditation helps schools strive for excellence in an ongoing improvement process following each accreditation or re-accreditation visit.

Currently, there are 153 EFMD Accredited programmes from 120 institutions in 42 countries.

To learn more, discover the latest EFMD Programme Accreditation guidelines or consult the Frequently Asked Questions.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives, visit the conversation on EFMD Programme Accreditation.